View the best photos from the game vs. the 49ers
AT FIRST GLANCE
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The Giants had opportunities to break their losing streak but failed to capitalize on them as they fell to the San Francisco 49ers, 16-10. Big Blue's fifth straight loss dropped the team to 3-7 on the season.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Giants complete their two-game home stand by hosting the Dallas Cowboys, who were on their bye, next Sunday night at MetLife Stadium.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE OFFENSE
The Giants ended their 20-game streak of not scoring a touchdown on the opening possession when Eli Manning led a five-play, 63-yard drive that resulted in a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Larry Donnell, his sixth of the season. After the Giants took an early 7-0 lead, though, their next four possessions of the first half yielded two punts and two interceptions. Manning went on to throw five picks on the day -- he had thrown just six all season heading into Sunday -- as the Giants squandered opportunity after opportunity to control the game. Meanwhile, running back Rashad Jennings, who missed the last four games with a knee injury, returned to the starting lineup on Sunday, rushing 18 times for 59 yards.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE DEFENSE
Leading to the Giants' much-needed opening score was a fumble recovery by cornerback Zack Bowman on the 49ers' first drive. While the offense turned the ball over five times, the defense managed to keep the Giants in the game, holding the 49ers to field goals for much of the afternoon. However, the Giants did allow a 48-yard touchdown from Colin Kaepernick to Michael Crabtree to begin the second half that proved to be the difference on the scoreboard.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT THE SPECIAL TEAMS
Using the threat of a throwback to Odell Beckham Jr., who was also back in return formation, Preston Parker broke a 38-yard kickoff return early in the third quarter. After the Giants placed running back and kick returner Michael Cox on injured reserve this week, Parker handled the bulk of returns on Sunday. But the real surprise came on the Giants' kickoff unit when Josh Brown pulled off a successful onside kick after he knocked in a 43-yard field goal to cut the game to 16-10 midway through the third quarter. Linebacker Mark Herzlich recovered the onside, but three plays later Manning threw his third interception of the game.
INACTIVES
Giants: CB Mike Harris, LB Jacquian Williams, G Adam Snyder, DE Kerry Wynn, T James Brewer, G Brandon Mosley, DT Cullen Jenkins. 49ers: QB Josh Johnson, WR Bruce Ellington, WR Quinton Patton, CB Tramaine Brock, LB Dan Skuta, G/C Dillon Farrell, NT Ian William.
LINEUP CHANGES
Giants: Mike Patterson for Jenkins at LDT; Mark Herzlich for Williams at WLB. 49ers: Quinton Dial for Williams at NT; Aaron Lynch for Skuta at OLB; Perrish Cox for Brock at LCB.
GIANTS INJURY REPORT
Right tackle Justin Pugh left in the second quarter with a strained quad and was replaced by Charles Brown. Wide receiver Rueben Randle left in the second half while suffering from cramps but did return.
